Dell Streak internal PR campaign gets employees arrested
updated 04:40 am EST, Wed February 16, 2011
SWAT responds to panic alarms at Dell offices
Two Dell employees have been arrested by the Round Rock, Texas police according to a report. Bryan Chester (48) and Daniel Rawson (36) are both facing the misdemeanor charges of Interfering with Public Duties and Deadly Conduct after an internal PR stunt backfired. Chester and Dawson ran through Dell offices dressed in black wearing masks and causing what was described by police as “controlled panic” amongst employees, several of whom triggered panic alarms. A video report of the story is embedded below.
According to reports, Chester was dressed as a biker and was wearing a black skull mask and ran through the building yelling at employees and telling them to run to the lobby. It was at the lobby that the pair were planning on unveiling one of the new Dell Streak tablets.
To make matters worse, on arrival Chester is alleged to have refused to comply with SWAT forces. “If it wasn't serious enough that elevated it to extreme risk scenario," said Round Rock police officer Eric Poteet.
A Dell spokesperson referred to the incident as “an unfortunate choice” by a Dell employee. Police said that it was amazing that no one was hurt. Given that Texas is a concealed carry state, that conclusion is likely apt as any of Chester's or Rawson's employees could have mistakenly shot them in self-defence, in addition to any action the police may have taken.
